Basset Hound Lifespan & Health Guide
The typical Basset Hound lives 10–13 years, with a median of 11 years.
The Basset Hound is a low-slung, heavy-boned scent hound originally bred in France and Belgium for tracking rabbits and hare. With the second-best nose in the dog world after the Bloodhound, Bassets are gentle, patient, and famously stubborn, making them endearing but sometimes exasperating companions. Their droopy eyes, velvety ears, and mournful expression have made them one of the most recognisable breeds worldwide.
10–13
years lifespan
55–75
lbs (male)
13–15
inches tall (male)
low
energy level
How Long Do Basset Hounds Live?
Basset Hounds have a lifespan of 10–13 years, with a median of 11 years. The main health factors that affect how long a Basset Hound lives:
- obesity (the breed's number one health threat)
- intervertebral disc disease from long spine
- ear infections from pendulous ears
- bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- joint stress from dwarfism (chondrodystrophy)
Temperament
How Old Is Your Basset Hound in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Basset Hound Age CalculatorBasset Hound Size & Weight
55–75 lbs
Male weight
45–65 lbs
Female weight
13–15″
Male height
12–14″
Female height
Size category: medium · Group: Hound
Common Basset Hound Health Problems
Obesity
The Basset Hound is one of the most obesity-prone breeds in existence. Their low energy level, powerful food drive, and endearing begging behaviour create a perfect storm for weight gain. Obesity in Bassets is particularly dangerous because excess weight on their long spine and short, angulated legs dramatically accelerates intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, and joint breakdown. Overweight Bassets also face increased risk of bloat, heart disease, and shortened lifespan.
Typical onset: 2–5 years
Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)
Basset Hounds have the longest ears of any breed, and these magnificent pendulous ears create a warm, moist, poorly ventilated environment inside the ear canal that is ideal for bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Chronic ear infections are almost universal in the breed and can progress to otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis interna (inner ear infection) if not managed aggressively, potentially causing hearing loss or vestibular disease.
Typical onset: 0.5–2 years
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Basset Hounds are a chondrodystrophic breed, meaning their dwarfism causes premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Their extremely long spines relative to their short legs puts enormous mechanical stress on the vertebral column. IVDD occurs when a disc herniates and compresses the spinal cord, causing pain ranging from mild discomfort to complete paralysis. The thoracolumbar region is most commonly affected.
Typical onset: 3–7 years
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/GDV)
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and may twist on its axis, cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen. Basset Hounds are at elevated risk due to their deep, narrow chest conformation. GDV can progress from first symptoms to death in as little as one to two hours without emergency surgical intervention. It is one of the leading causes of sudden death in the breed.
Typical onset: 4–10 years
Glaucoma
Basset Hounds have a genetic predisposition to primary glaucoma, a painful condition in which fluid pressure builds inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve and retina. The breed's droopy lower eyelids and prominent eyes contribute to drainage issues. Glaucoma can cause blindness in the affected eye within 24-48 hours if not treated as an emergency. It frequently affects both eyes, with the second eye often developing the condition within months of the first.
Typical onset: 4–8 years
Recommended Health Screenings
Breed-specific tests and evaluations recommended for Basset Hounds:
- Ophthalmologic examination with tonometry
- Thrombopathia DNA test (Basset-specific platelet disorder)
- Hip and elbow evaluation (radiographs)
- Thyroid panel
- Cardiac evaluation (auscultation)
- Spinal radiographs
Typical Veterinary Costs
Basset Hounds are generally rated high on the annual veterinary cost scale, based on breed-specific health risks, known chronic conditions, and typical screening requirements. Budget for preventative screenings and treatment of common breed-specific issues.
When Is a Basset Hound Considered Senior?
Basset Hounds are generally considered senior at around 8 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Basset Hound’s age in human years →Basset Hound Exercise Needs
Adult Basset Hounds need 30–60 minutes of exercise per day. Adult Bassets need consistent daily exercise to prevent obesity, even though they may not enthusiastically seek it out. A Basset that refuses to walk is not being lazy — check for pain first. Swimming is an excellent option as it provides exercise without spinal stress. Keep walks interesting by varying routes to provide new scent experiences.
Cautions: always on lead in unfenced areas; avoid prolonged running or jumping; watch for heat exhaustion in warm weather; use a harness to reduce neck strain; do not allow jumping into or out of vehicles
Basset Hound Diet & Nutrition
Adult Basset Hounds typically eat 2–3 cups of high-quality adult formula with moderate calories and added joint support per day, split into 2 meals. Basset Hounds will eat as much as they are given — they have virtually no self-regulation around food. Feed exactly the recommended amount based on your dog's ideal (not current) weight. Use a slow-feeder bowl and consider splitting meals into two or three feedings to reduce bloat risk. Account for all treats in daily calorie totals. A weight-management formula may be appropriate even for Bassets at a healthy weight.
Key nutrients: lean protein for muscle maintenance, glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat, L-carnitine for fat metabolism, moderate fibre for satiety
Weight management is the single most important health intervention for a Basset Hound. The breed's combination of food obsession, low energy, and heavy build on short legs makes obesity almost inevitable without disciplined owner management. An overweight Basset faces dramatically increased risk of IVDD, arthritis, bloat, and shortened lifespan. Never rely on the dog's appetite to judge portion size — Bassets will always want more. Measure every meal, eliminate table scraps entirely, and weigh your dog monthly. Use green beans, carrots, or other low-calorie vegetables as treats instead of commercial dog treats. If your Basset is overweight, work with your vet on a gradual weight loss plan — losing even 10% of excess weight can significantly improve mobility and quality of life.
Basset Hound Dental Care
Basset Hounds present unique dental challenges due to their loose, pendulous lips and heavy jowls that create moist environments where bacteria flourish. The breed is a prolific drooler, which can both help wash teeth (saliva contains antibacterial enzymes) and cause skin fold infections around the mouth. Regular lip fold cleaning should be part of the dental care routine. Bassets are generally cooperative for dental care if introduced early, though their stubbornness may require patience and high-value rewards. Professional cleanings may be needed more frequently than average due to the lip fold factor.
Basset Hound Coat & Grooming
Coat type
Short, smooth, and dense with oily texture
Shedding
high
Energy
low
Basset Hound Trainability
Basset Hounds are rated independent to train. They typically calm down around 30 months of age.